In 1958, a writer for The Milwaukee Journal asked what made Cissie Peltz, then a budding cartoonist, tick. The writer concluded it was Peltz's laughing blue eyes, sparkling conversation, humor and knack for selling.

In so many ways, this is how many will remember Peltz, who passed away Wednesday morning, according to her friend and gallery assistant Cheryl Olson-Sklar. | April 3, 2013»Read Full Blog Post(2)

While Renaissance Theaterworks' new production, Athol Fugard's "The Road to Mecca," is set in distant South Africa, its situation will feel familiar to Milwaukee art lovers: An older woman, living alone, has transformed her home and yard into an art environment filled with unusual sculptures, provoking confusion and judgment from her neighbors.

Yes, the story of the late Helen Martins (1897-1976) of Nieu-Bethesda outwardly resembles that of the late Mary Nohl of Fox Point. Both were ostracized by their communities and called a witch, said Suzan Fete, director of the Renaissance production, which opens Saturday. | April 3, 2013»Read Full Article

Fever Marlene is one of the better-known bands in Milwaukee. It has played all around town and across North America for several years now.

But Fever Marlene as it is now is essentially an entirely new band. Originating as a duo, the self-proclaimed electro-rock group more than doubled its size as it worked on "Medicated Friends," its first studio album since 2007. | April 3, 2013»Read Full Article

A casual restaurant serving lunch and dinner called the Bay is expected to open in late April at 342 E. Silver Spring Drive, Whitefish Bay.

A former executive with the company that operated Sabor in downtown Milwaukee will open the Bay. James McMahon was senior vice president of operations for Oscar Inc., which operated Sabor, Beta and several Buffalo Wild Wings locations. | April 3, 2013»Read Full Blog Post

A banjo player who swerved from bluegrass to jazz and his pianist hero-turned-mentor-turned-partner delighted nearly 700 listeners Tuesday night in Uihlein Hall with 135 minutes of unique, often astounding, chamber jazz duets.

The 2013 PrideFest entertainment lineup will include the Indigo Girls, singer Andy Bell, Sophie B. Hawkins, Amanda Palmer and a live theatrical production to the music of Lady Gaga.

The Grammy-winning Indigo Girls perform June 8. Hawkins as well as Bell, known for his work as half of the pop Erasure duo, performs June 7. Palmer, and electronic rock outfit Dangerous Muse, will close the festival on June 9. | April 3, 2013»Read Full Article(7)

What was it T.S. Eliot said about April? It's the cruelest month? And something about breeding lilacs, dead earth and taxes perhaps?

Speaking of wordsmiths, Ex Fabula will be on WMSE-FM (91.7) at noon today with the stories of Mathew Konkel, Conn and Grant Hagen, Becca Segal and Kate Tellers. You can stream the show right here. | April 3, 2013»Read Full Blog Post